After 20 years of advocating for a nursing home, the Mossman District Nursing Home (MDNHI) finally see the fruits of their labour.

The Douglas Shire Council promised in the 2015-2016 Annual Budget it would provide $80,000 to progress the Mossman District Nursing Home site.  It was announced today the establishment of a nursing home in Mossman is close to a reality with Douglas Shire Council to transfer freehold title of the proposed site to The Salvation Army at no cost.

To further progress the construction of an aged care facility in Mossman, Council yesterday determined to also submit an application under Round One of the State Government’s Building Our Regions Fund for around $1 million for the construction of enabling infrastructure.

Council purchased the Johnston Rd site in 2003 for the purpose of developing aged care facilities in Mossman.

Due to the commitment of Council, the dedication of the Mossman District Nursing Home (MDNHI) Committee and the involvement of The Salvation Army, the Federal Government issued a 42-bed nursing home licence last year.

The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus now has the licenses and the land to establish a much-needed residential aged care centre in Mossman and is hoping the funding application by Council will secure the final piece of the puzzle.

Mayor Julia Leu said the transfer of land to The Salvation Army to build a nursing home in Mossman is a landmark achievement for everyone involved.

“The proposed aged care project is widely supported by a passionate local community that has consistently fundraised for nearly 20 years to contribute to its development,” Mayor Leu said.

“This support from the elected members of the previous and new Douglas Shire Councils, the MDNHI Committee, local State and Federal Government representatives, together with our wider community and service providers from the district has paved the way for this pivotal announcement.

“Council’s contribution of $40,000 to the MDNHI Committee last financial year to prepare a business case for the development of aged care facilities in Mossman has also been instrumental in progressing this outcome.

“This is a project our community has been very passionate about for decades and I’m very proud of the fact our new Douglas Shire Council has been able to progress the concept to such an extent in such a relatively short period of time.

“There’s an unshakeable commitment on behalf of all stakeholders to see it through and we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Marj Norris, who along with Shirley Vico and Joan Gray is a foundation member of the MDNHI Committee, said they were elated an aged care facility in Mossman is now all but assured.

“This is the realisation of 20 years of hard work to achieve an aged care facility in Mossman,” Ms Norris said.

“We started off all those years ago and it’s now right here before our eyes at long last.

“We’ve been close before but I feel we are finally past the winning post and everyone in the community has good reason to feel elated about that.

“We as a committee feel very proud to have played our part and this milestone is also great recognition of what a wonderful, forward-thinking Council we have, because we wouldn’t be in this situation without all their hard work behind the scenes since de-amalgamation.” 

The proposed services for the new aged care facility will include dementia-specific care, care for the ageing, care for indigenous elderly Australians and those suffering from mental health issues.

The aged care facility will provide training for local school leavers and indigenous staff and incorporate allied health professional roles including chiropractors, dieticians, occupational therapists and social workers.

An estimated 41 construction jobs over two years will be generated during the construction phase, with 27 permanent jobs created once the facility begins operations.